Ofsted’s new single framework for the inspection of local authority services for vulnerable children will come into effect from November 2013. The framework will bring together child protection, services for looked after children and care leavers, and local authority fostering and adoption services. Inspection gradings have been revised so that anything less than ‘good’ …

Nearly 4,000 children in England were adopted from care in the year to March. Various policies have been brought in to boost adoption numbers The latest statistics from the government show an increase of 15% compared with the year before, and ministers say it is a record. The government has a drive to …

‘Sloppy practice’ must stop, warns Court The Court of Appeal – comprising Lord Dyson, the Master of the Rolls, Sir James Munby, the president of the Family Division, and Lady Justice Black – has given important guidance as to the proper approach to applications for adoption orders and for leave to oppose adoption …

Britain’s most senior family judge has issued a pointed warning that Michael Gove’s drive to speed up adoptions should not be allowed to break up families unnecessarily. A drive to speed up adoptions means children ‘may be removed from parents too quickly’ Photo: ALAMY Sir James Munby, the President of the High Court Family …

The government announces new funding to support adoptive families. Adoptive parents will benefit from new funding worth £19.3 million to access the best possible care for children who have often been victims of abuse and neglect. The Adoption Support Fund will pay for therapeutic services – such as cognitive therapy, play and music therapy, …